The Assad family reigned Syria for more than half a century and did so with an iron fist. They crushed dissent from outspoken voices, turning chemical weapons upon their own citizens. It was the definition of a violent authoritarian state. In the space of only a few days, Syrian Rebel forces ousted Bashar Al Assad, signaling the end of a brutal 13-…

Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione has been charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare. Why has this case grabbed the world's media attention and what does it say about public opinion towards the corporate world? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Terry Sheridan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

"Operation Destabilise" has exposed the dark money web relied on by criminals and spies alike. The international sting, led by the UK's National Crime Agency, uncovered a multi-billion dollar crypto laundering network which included the Kinahan cartel, Russian spies, online scammers and even a Moscow socialite. So how did it work, how was it uncove…

We are bringing Indo Daily listeners an episode from The Sunday World's excellent new food and lifestyle podcast Under the Grill this weekend. In each episode Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young sit around the kitchen table with some of Ireland’s best loved personalities in Under the Grill. In this episode Aslan legend Billy McGuinness joins Kevin Dundo…

What are the allegations being made against Gregg Wallace that have led to him stepping down as host of the BBC’s flagship show MasterChef and doe sit mean for the BBC and the MeToo movement? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady & Niamh Horan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av Irish Independent

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is facing a legal bill of around €1m after a judge ruled he must pay Nikita Hand’s legal costs following her successful civil rape claim against him. Mr Justice Alexander Owens also indicated he was considering bringing contempt proceedings against Mr McGregor over a social media post in which he described the…

All 174 Dail seats have been filled, and the new TDs are wandering around Leinster House looking for their new digs and the subsidized soup. What's next? Just the small order of forming a government until 2029. Thankfully our man on the ground Finian McGrath, has the inside scoop on what conversations have already taken place on Kildare St. And wha…

As a journalist and mum of three, Melanie Finn was too busy to take much notice of the headaches and falls she’d been having. Then, in the summer of 2023, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and doctors discovered a cyst on her brain. She speaks with Ellen Coyne on emergency surgery, the long road to recovery and how, ultimately, she feels changed …

Remains exhumed from a grave in County Monaghan are being DNA tested to determine whether they include those of Joe Lynskey. One of the ‘disappeared’, the former monk turned IRA man was abducted, murdered and secretly buried in 1972. Lynskey is understood to have tricked a fellow IRA man into shooting a love rival – also a member of the IRA. The IR…

Horse-trading begins for a place at the table with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, but you can expect Simon Harris to be Taoiseach for Christmas before handing the office back to Micheál Martin in the new year. But what about long-term? How many seats do Fianna Fáil need to earn to sideline Simon Harris into a full-time Tánaiste roll? See omnystudio.com…

Votes have been counted and attention is now turning to who will form the next government. Labour leader Ivana Bacik and Kerry Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae believe they should be strongly considered for inclusion in a new coalition. For a time, it looked like Gerry Hutch might just become a TD. However, the man known as ‘The Monk’ ultimately fe…

It’s neck and neck in Dublin Central, where Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch and Labour’s Marie Sherlock go for the final seat. Outside of the countries box office constituency, what will happen if Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael get 85 seats? Do the big two need a final partner in this coalition. And where do Sinn Féin go from here after a lackluster performance…

Have the left only themselves to blame if they face another government term with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in Power? Garry Gannon discusses his red line issues and why he's keen for a seat at the table regardless of who is sitting beside him. Also, while speaking to awaiting media, Mary Lou McDonald talked about ‘breaking the two-party system’, but…

Counting has begun in Election 2024. Early tallies point to a possible Sinn Féin surge and a shy Fianna Fáil voter base. Early indicators show Gerry ‘The Monk’ in strong contention for a seat while some current ministers look in danger of losing theirs. We break down the early tallies. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Philip Ryan, Gabija Gataveckaite,…

One week on from the verdict in Nikita Hand’s civil rape case against Conor McGregor, the MMA fighter’s career is in freefall. Since last Friday, products associated with McGregor, including Proper No. Twelve whiskey, have been removed from shelves, murals have been whitewashed over and marches have taken place in solidarity with victim Ms Hand. Wh…

As Ireland goes to the polls, who will be the biggest winners and losers in Election 2024? Could this be the election that sees the Social Democrats become a coalition partner? Where did it go wrong for Fine Gael? And former minister Finian McGrath sings! Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Mandy Johnson & Finian McGrath See omnystudio.com/listener for priva…

Over the past number of weeks, the war in Ukraine has entered a troubling new phase. Reports suggest increasing North Korean involvement, raising the stakes on an already volatile battlefield. Is Pyongyang looking to roll back the clock to “the good old days” of the Cold War, standing arm-in-arm with Moscow? And what about US president-elect Donald…

With days to go before the general election, why are social media posts surrounding ballot box interference, election rigging and foreign interference on the rise in Ireland? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Aoife Gallagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av Irish Independent

If you want to listen to our interview with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald click on the below link: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/elections-2024/the-indo-daily-mary-lou-mcdonald-talks-the-monk-brian-stanley-why-gerry-adams-wont-be-president-and-her-pathway-to-power/a1181218181.html And if you’re still unclear as to who to vote for on Fr…

With only a couple of days before the General Election, Mary Lou McDonald tells The Indo Daily how she won't be working with Gerry Hutch, how former Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley has ‘made his bed’ and why Gerry Adams will not become president of Ireland, despite speculation of a future bid. Host: Ellen Coyne and Phillip Ryan, Guest; Mary Lou McDonald…

Since Enda Kenny first assumed office in 2011, Fine Gael have gone through 2 elections, weathered a global pandemic, fought with the Tories over Brexit, cosied up with their bitter rivals in a coalition, and gone through quite a few scandals of their own in intervening years. As the public heads to polls this Friday to elect the 34th Dail, what can…

Incoming US Vice President JD Vance is a self-professed ‘Scots-Irish Hillbilly’. He first made waves in US politics with his bestselling memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ on his poor upbringing, which was later adapted into a film. How did JD Vance get from the Appalachians to the White house, what does he have to do with Ulster Scots, and how important is …

Shane Phelan and Catherine Fegan look at the possible reasons why Nikita Hand won her civil rape case against Conor McGregor. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Shane Phelan & Catherine Fegan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av Irish Independent

This week, An Garda Síochána have made an unprecedented move by releasing nearly 100 images to the public, to try and identify those suspected of committing crimes during the Dublin Riots. The images released have already helped to identify multiple suspects, but it hasn’t come without controversy, with many questioning the morality and legality of…

With the parties trying to win over voters, which candidates are proving to be a headache for their party leaders? We hit the campaign trial with "comeback-kid" Clare Daly and discover how voters are swinging left and right all the way down the ballot. And if you’re still unclear as to who to vote for next week, then you need the Irish Independent’…

The ‘Clones Cyclone’ Barry McGuigan wasn’t just a world champion fighter, for many he was a symbol of hope and resilience through some of Ireland’s toughest years during the Troubles. In recent years though, things have been fraught for McGuigan outside of the ring. He’s faced the devastating loss of his daughter Danika in 2019, and an extremely me…

“Ruthless. Psychopath. Dangerous.” These are just some of the words used to describe Robbie Lawlor, a formerly leading figure in the notorious Drogheda feud. Crimeworld's Nicolla Tallant discusses her new book Web of Betrayal and podcast series Double Cross – The Murder of Robbie Lawlor, to shed new light on the chaos and violence that consumed Dro…

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern outlines his thoughts on Election 2024. Who will be the biggest party, does Sinn Féin have a path to power, and can the left ever unite to form a new government? Oh, and is Simon Harris “Bertie Lite”? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Bertie Ahern and Finian McGrath See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Next Saturday marks one year since three children, along with their carer, were attacked by a man wielding a knife outside a school on Parnell Square in Dublin. The Irish Independent’s special correspondent Catherine Fegan has been speaking to the family of one of the most seriously injured children. How are they coping? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest…

Who are Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr? Why are Donald Trump’s new cabinet nominees so controversial and what have they promised to do for the United States and the world? Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Adrian Weckler See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av Irish Independent

We are bringing our Indo Daily audience a fascinating episode from our sister podcast, The Big Tech Show. Why did the FBI set up their own encrypted phone company? How did it result in the biggest drug trafficking sting in history? And is law enforcement finally catching up with criminals online? Adrian Weckler is joined by Joseph Cox, Author of Da…

It’s November 2009, France vs Ireland in The Stade De France in a World Cup Qualifier. A moment that shattered dreams, ignited a global outrage, and caused further scandals years down the line. Thierry Henry’s handball in the 13th minute of extra time would change the fortunes of Irish football for years to come, leaving an entire nation in despair…

What are the hot election topics that candidates are hearing on the campaign trail? What goes on at coalition negotiations? And will “messy independents” hold the defining power in Election 2024? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Finian McGrath and Gabija Gataveckaite See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Why is Tánaiste Micheál Martin upset with his coalition partner – “Fine Gael seem to be strategically deciding to target Fianna Fáil more than targeting Sinn Féin. That's the bit I don't get, and a lot of others won't get that either,” he said. Host: Fionnán Sheahan & Philip Ryan Guest: Tánaiste Micheál Martin See omnystudio.com/listener for privac…

Conor McGregor entered the witness box in the sixth day of proceedings during a high profile civil rape case. The MMA fighter has described as “lies” and “more lies” the account given by Nikita Hand of her alleged rape by him in a Dublin hotel six years ago. The trial also heard from Danielle Kealey, a former colleague of Mrs Hand who was present d…

Jo Jo Dullard was just 21 when she disappeared on November 9, 1995. However, she missed her last bus home to Kilkenny and instead boarded a bus to Naas, Co Kildare. She intended to hitch-hike the rest of the way home but she was never seen again. This week, after a fresh appeal for information from gardaí, a suspect was arrested on Monday morning, …

The opening of Election 2024 sees Fine Gael hit an early speedbump courtesy of Ryanair; the Greens aren’t feeling the love in their coalition threesome; and the battle for Dublin Central gets interesting. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Mandy Johnston, Finian McGrath and Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Conor McGregor, one of Ireland's biggest sporting and celebrity names, has been involved in a high-profile civil rape case, which is being heard in the High Court. The mixed martial arts superstar and his co-defendant, James Lawrence, are accused of sexually assaulting and raping Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, in a Dublin hotel in Dec…

DESCRIPTION: As world leaders descend on Azerbaijan for COP29, are their efforts in vain with the re-election of Donald Trump and his pledge to “drill baby drill”? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Caroline O’Doherty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av Irish Independent

Former Ireland footballer, and presenter of ‘The Stand’ podcast, Eamon Dunphy joins Indo Sport’s Joe Molloy to reflect on Donald Trump’s seismic return to The White House, the potentially grave significance of his re-election, and what it might mean for America's influence on the world at large. This podcast was first recorded on Wednesday November…

There was a period when Eoghan Murphy was possibly the most controversial man in Irish politics. For someone so early in their career and with such a high profile, his retirement in 2021 came as a massive shock. But only those close to him knew how much of a toll the previous few years had taken on him. His new book, Running from Office: Confession…

Who will be the biggest party in the new Dáil? From the Irish Independent’s Indo Daily podcast, this is Election Extra, our new series that will bring you all the latest news from the campaign trail. For the next three weeks, we will keep you up to date on the political promises, gaffes and excruciating TikTok appeals - and no doubt a scandal or tw…

Why Donald Trump’s return to the White House should sound alarm bells for the Irish government and economy. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Donal O’Donovan and Philip Ryan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av Irish Independent

We were told razor thin margins will decide the outcome of this year's US election. Pollsters had the race at ‘too close to call’, but while there is still a way to go until we have an outright decision is made, all indications are suggesting Donald Trump will comfortably win the race for the Whitehouse. What would a second Trump term mean for the …

For four decades, the name Paul Williams has been synonymous with the coverage of crime in Ireland. His byline has accompanied some of the biggest crime stories, including the killing of 'The General' Martin Cahill, the murder of Veronica Guerin, and the rise of the Kinahan's. But his life mixing with the underworld made him a target and put his fa…

Donald Trump, North Korea and Ukrainian desertions. Could this be the beginning of the end for Ukraine’s resistance against Putin’s military invasion? Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Euan MacDonald & Donnacha Ó Beacháin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av Irish Independent

This week Armie Hammer has confirmed his return to acting, more than three years after he was accused of sexual misconduct. The 38-year-old’s career had been in freefall since the emergence of a series of damaging accusations over explicit messages he allegedly sent on social media and an accusation of rape by a woman in Los Angeles in March 2021. …

Today on the Indo Daily, we hear from 2014 Ryder Cup captain, commentator and long-time fixture of Irish golf Paul McGinley as he joined Indo Sport’s Joe Molloy for a wide-ranging, personal interview. In it, McGinley details the toll, and positives he finds in caring for a father with dementia, how his family are handling the loss of their mother, …

Recent weeks have seen high-profile adult content creators make headlines for increasingly salacious reasons, exposing a divide among the public. One of the stars of Only Fans, 25-year-old Bonnie Blue, claimed to have slept with 158 men in two weeks during freshers' week at Nottingham Trent University. These X-rated stunts have become more prevalen…

“My abuser always had such a bravado in public. Once he had an audience, he relished in it. But when it was just us two, the manipulating, controlling, violent, mentally abusive character would appear.” Rape survivor Charlene Masterson shares her story of being blackmailed, abused and raped by the man who was supposed to protect her. You can read m…